Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Ever get to a game three hours early? Turns out it's a beautiful way to spend the morning.

Optimism was in the air on opening day at Dodger Stadium. Fifty-six thousand people came to have their first official Dodger Dog of the season and collectively sprint toward the light at the end of the tunnel. It was great the Dodgers won, but on this day most everybody would still have been smiling even if they hadn't.

Security was noticeable but not obtrusive, and fans wore all manner of custom-made tributes. I saw one guy wearing a T-shirt reading MAGIC MADE FRANK McCOURT DISAPPEAR, another man with VIN SCULLY FOR PRESIDENT on his, and at least one Laker-colored Dodgers jersey.

Big thanks to Sax for the invitation and of course to the Dodgers organization for the classy festivities. Oh, and to Andre Ethier for helping to finish the game in less than two and a half hours. It was also wonderful to share a beer with fellow Son Dusty, and to meet longtime reader Paul for the first time.

On to the pix!

Dee Gordon high-fives Tony Gwynn Jr. during pre-game introductions.

Before the game: the ageless Jim Hill and Tommy Davis.

Vic "The Brick" Jacobs. No relation to D'Brickashaw Ferguson.

Beach Boys David Marks, Bruce Johnston and Al Jardine exit stage right after singing the national anthem.

Ethier after his home run. "So, about that contract...."

Larry King holds court.

Dodgers team photographer Jon SooHoo gives someone the thumbs-up, or is getting ready to paint the sun.

Tommy Davis congratulates Maury Wills after they announce "It's time for Dodger baseball!"

Members of the military wave Old Glory.

Tommy Lasorda greets the Veteran of the Game, Sergeant Eric Rodriguez. Rodriguez, who lost a leg to an IED in Afghanistan, is currently more active than most who were in attendance at Dodger Stadium, and plans to return to Afghanistan.

The Dodgers saluted the 1962 team before the game. At the far left is former councilwoman Rosalind Wyman, who was instrumental in getting the Dodgers to move to L.A.

Peter O'Malley and his sister, Terry Seidler, who threw out the ceremonial first pitch to Lasorda.

Great pics! Wish I had been there. I know they were celebrating '62 and Dodger Stadium and I realize the O'Malleys were instrumental in all that, but I can't believe McCourt actually allowed O'Malley to throw out the first pitch.